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5 Bourbon-Spiked Christmas Cookie Recipes

Christmas just wouldn't be the same without cookies. Besides the gifts, it's the one thing that keeps the family (not to mention Santa) coming back each year. As with any family gathering, there's bound to be some chaos this holiday season, but as long as you've got a good supply of Christmas cookies, there should be peace and harmony.

Enhance your confectionary treats this year by spiking them with some good old-fashioned bourbon whiskey. Below are five favorite cookie recipes, laced with a little Wild Turkey.

Wild Turkey 101 whiskey bottle with two glasses on a bar.

1. Bourbon Pecan Chews

They may not have any chocolate in them, but the combination of molasses and bourbon makes bourbon pecan chews the perfect holiday treat. And there's nothing like a soft, chewy cookie with a little crunch of pecan.

Chocolate no-bake cookies on a wire rack with bowls of ingredients in the background.

Full recipe at Martha Stewart.

2. Holiday Bourbon Balls

These bourbon balls are more confection than cookie, and highlight the wonderful pairing of bourbon and chocolate. This recipe may not follow the rules for making traditional Kentucky bourbon balls, but the vanilla wafers are a nice touch.

Chocolate truffles arranged on a platter, with one red truffle in the center.

Full recipe at Savour Fare.

3. Cocoa Nib Macarons with Bourbon Buttercream

Just because Christmas sweets last but seconds around the family doesn't mean the presentation needs to suffer. It's not just the taste, but the looks that satisfy at the cookie table. And these macarons will definitely stand out amongst the rest—in both ways. It's the perfect combination of comfort and elegance thanks to the subtle taste of bourbon buttercream and sweet cocoa nib toppings.

Chocolate chip macarons with a bite taken out.

Full recipe at Tartelette.

4. Bourbon Pecan Bars

One thing Christmas isn't known for is pie, so if someone in your family is feeling left out over the holidays, these bourbon pecan bars should do the trick. It's basically pecan pie, only in small squares. Perfect for the pie lover, and equally as good for cookie devotees.

Pecan bars arranged in a grid on a wooden surface.

Full recipe at Not Derby Pie.

5. Fudgy Bourbon Balls

If the bourbon balls above weren't chocolaty enough for you, then these fudgy versions should curb your craving. You'll need to hunt down some of Nabisco's Famous Chocolate Wafers, but it's worth it. You can also use any other chocolate wafer cookie.

Chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa powder on parchment paper.

Full recipe at food52.

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